Reducing commercial heating costs while maintaining a high level of thermal comfort is a constant challenge for building managers in Greater Montreal, whether in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore, or the South Shore. At AirGreen, we fully understand these issues. With our expertise in efficient HVAC solutions, we help many owners and managers every year optimize their systems while ensuring a comfortable environment for their occupants.
Here are 7 practical tips, based on our real-world experience, to keep your energy costs under control without compromising heating quality in your commercial, residential, or institutional buildings.
1. Conduct a full energy audit of the existing HVAC system
A professional energy audit is an essential first step. We analyze your entire central heating system, identify sources of heat loss, outdated or oversized equipment, and energy-draining behaviors.
Why it matters:
Even a simple imbalance in air distribution or a poorly calibrated thermostat can lead to significant energy waste. On the North Shore as well as in Longueuil, our audits often reveal efficiency gains that are easy to achieve.
2. Install a high-efficiency central heat pump
Modern central heat pumps, such as the Bosch BOVA, Goodman R-32, or Fujitsu KZAH models, offer unmatched energy efficiency, with high SEER/HSPF ratings and the ability to operate even at very low temperatures. These systems not only provide efficient heating but also cooling during the summer.
Typical AirGreen installation:
In Laval, we recently replaced an old oil heating system with a Bosch BOVA 5-ton heat pump in a 12-unit rental building. The result: a 38% reduction in annual heating costs and improved comfort thanks to uniform temperatures.
3. Choose intelligent heating management
Smart HVAC systems allow for precise, remote control of every zone in a building. With smart thermostats, occupancy sensors, and scheduled programming, you can adjust heating to match real usage.
Key benefit:
Avoid heating offices or rooms that are not in use. On the South Shore, a medical center we equipped with automated controls saw its monthly heating bill drop by 24% in the first winter.
4. Prioritize preventive over reactive maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance extends the lifespan of your equipment, ensures optimal performance, and prevents costly breakdowns in the middle of winter.
Our recommendation:
At AirGreen, we offer custom maintenance plans that include filter inspections, refrigerant level checks, motor controls, and duct cleaning. In Montréal, this preventive maintenance helped a 6-story building avoid a critical breakdown in January, saving thousands of dollars in emergency repairs.
5. Take advantage of government grants and incentive programs
Significant subsidies are available for HVAC modernization projects in Greater Montreal. Programs like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert, Rénoclimat, or municipal tax credits can cover up to 50% of installation costs.
Real-life example:
A residential complex in Longueuil received $15,000 in grants for installing two Goodman central heat pumps, thanks to our assistance with the administrative steps.
6. Reduce thermal losses in the building
Even the most efficient system will underperform if the building is poorly insulated. Windows, roofs, exterior walls, and ducts must be regularly inspected. An infrared thermal diagnostic, offered by AirGreen, accurately identifies heat loss zones.
North Shore intervention:
In Boisbriand, we helped the management of an office building re-insulate their roof. At the same time, we replaced their old central unit with a Fujitsu KZAH R-32 heat pump, resulting in an estimated 28% annual energy saving.
7. Train staff and raise tenant awareness
Promoting responsible heating use is a powerful tool. Poor thermostat use or leaving windows open in winter can negate all technical efforts.
Our educational tools:
We provide managers with a best practices kit to share with employees or tenants, including simple tips: don’t block air vents, maintain a consistent temperature, ventilate briefly, etc.
AirGreen expertise: the complete HVAC solution for building managers
Whether you manage a rental property in Laval, an administrative building in Longueuil, or a shopping center in Montréal, our team supports you at every stage: diagnostics, planning, installation, maintenance, and energy optimization.
Why choose AirGreen:
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Over 10 years of experience in commercial and institutional HVAC solutions.
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Mastery of the latest technologies and available subsidies.
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A certified, punctual, transparent, and passionate team.
We understand the budgetary and technical challenges faced by building managers. Our approach aims to maximize long-term investment, while ensuring user comfort and compliance with the industry’s strictest standards.
Additional tips to go even further
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Compare energy performance of different models (SEER, HSPF, BTU capacity).
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Measure return on investment (ROI) over 5 to 10 years post-upgrade.
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Plan work in fall or spring, when schedules are more flexible and costs are often lower.
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Request a free comparative study, offered by AirGreen for any modernization project.
Choose AirGreen for a long-term partnership
Reducing heating costs isn’t a one-time job. It’s a strategic project, and it deserves support from a local HVAC expert. At AirGreen, we’re committed to offering sustainable, reliable, and high-performing solutions to building managers throughout Greater Montreal.
Contact us today to schedule a visit of your facilities and discover the real savings you could achieve.